Skechers To Pay $40M For Refunds For False Health Claims About Athletic Shoes

Posted 3 years ago

By John P Tretbar

Forty-four states and the federal government today announced a settlement over false claims made by an athletic shoe manufacturer which will translate into millions in customer refunds.

Attorney General Koster in Missouri, and Derek Schmidt in Kansas on Wednesday announced the $40 million settlement with Skechers over the company’s health claims.

“We have alleged that Skechers made health-related claims to consumers that they couldn’t prove,” Koster said. “Consumers were duped into buying shoes that they thought would help them lose weight and tone up. I am pleased that consumers will be getting back some of their hard-earned money.”

The lawsuit filed in conjunction with the settlement alleges that without having adequate support for its claims, Skechers claimed that the rocker-bottom shoe products caused consumers to lose weight, burn calories, improve circulation, fight cellulite, and firm, tone or strengthen thigh, buttock, and back muscles.

The shoes involved are the “Shape Ups,” “Toners,” “Tone Ups,” and “Resistance Runners. Consumers who bought these “toning” shoes will be eligible for refunds either directly from the FTC or through a court-approved class action lawsuit.

Consumers who purchased these shoes will be eligible for a partial refund, expected to be about $20 per pair of shoes. To learn how to file a claim, consumers can call a special hotline at 866-325-4186. Or you can click here to go to the Federal Trade Commission to file a claim electronically.

Under the settlement, Skechers is prohibited from making health claims unless it has adequate substantiation to do so. Skechers has not admitted any wrongdoing.